The Osteopathic Treatment of M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or "Fibromyalgia")
Osteopathic research into ME
Friday, 12 May 2006
At a recent meeting of the Parliamentary Group on Scientific Research into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), members received osteopathic research findings with interest.
ME, the symptoms of which include unexplained exhaustion, muscle and joint pain, insomnia and nausea, has remained somewhat of a mystery to the medical profession for many years.
The Group, chaired by Dr Ian Gibson MP, is looking at progress made in understanding the cause of the condition since the Chief Medical Officer’s Report into ME in 2002. It has heard from sufferers of ME, and will hear further evidence from leading medical experts and government officials.
Osteopath Raymond Perrin PhD has been researching the cause of ME, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, for the last 17 years. Following clinical trials at the Universities of Salford and Manchester, he has developed a diagnostic and treatment approach which he believes could provide significant benefits to sufferers.
Dr Perrin says, "The group seemed interested in the physical signs that I have discovered. These signs are common to the hundreds of ME sufferers I have treated since 1989. However, further research is necessary to validate these findings which, if successfully confirmed, may make diagnosis easier and quicker, enabling patients to receive earlier treatment and a speedier recovery. "
For further information on this research, please contact:
University of Salford :
Rachel Conway or Wendy O’Brien
T: 0161 295 5370
M: 07733 3074 09
E: r.conway@salford.ac.uk
About Osteopathy
Osteopathy uses many of the diagnostic procedures involved in conventional medical assessment and diagnosis. Its main strength lies in the unique way the patient is assessed holistically from a mechanical, functional and postural standpoint. Treatment is aimed at improving mobility and/or reducing inflammation by using gentle manual osteopathic techniques on joints, muscles and ligaments.
Patients are given positive advice, related to their lifestyle, about how they use their body. Age is no barrier to osteopathy since each patient is assessed individually and treatment is gentle.
Osteopaths treat a wide range of conditions, including changes to posture in pregnancy; babies with colic or sleeplessness, repetitive strain injury, postural problems caused by driving or work strain, glue ear in children, the pain of arthritis and sports injuries, amongst others.
The Statutory Register of Osteopaths
Osteopaths are statutorily regulated health professionals and form an integral part of primary care teams.
The General Osteopathic Council ( GOsC) regulates, promotes and develops the osteopathic profession, maintaining a Statutory Register of those entitled to practise osteopathy in the United Kingdom.
Only practitioners meeting the highest standards of safety and competency are eligible for registration. Proof of good health, good character and professional indemnity insurance cover is also a requirement.
It is an offence for anyone to describe themselves as an osteopath and practise as such, unless registered with the GOsC. The public can, therefore, be confident in visiting a registered osteopath that they will experience safe and competent treatment from a practitioner who adheres to a strict Code of practice:
“13. (1) The General Osteopathic Council shall from time to time determine the standard of proficiency which, in its opinion, is required for the competent and safe practice of osteopath” (Osteopaths Act 1993).
Copies of Standard 2000 (S2K) are available from the GOsC on 020 7357 6655.
“Any patient consulting an osteopath is entitled to a high standard of care. The register of osteopaths exists so that members of the public can identify those who have demonstrated their ability to practise to the required standards ” (extract from the GOsC ‘Code of practice’, GOsC, 2005).
Copies of the Code of Practice are available from the GOsC on 020 7357 6655.
The 2006 Statutory Register of Osteopaths provides a geographical index of all practising osteopaths, and is available to healthcare providers and the general public. Printed copies are available from the GOsC. A current and searchable listing of osteopaths is available on the GOsC website: www.osteopathy.org.uk.